<p>Sorry to bother you all, but I just have a little question to ask. I've been receiving a ton, and I mean a ton, of mail about summer programs such as Leadership University, Congressional Student Leadership Conference, Ambassadors Abroad as well as summer programs at Stanford, and the UCs. I'm interested in going to them since well, they're interesting and I rather enjoy them; the problem is that they're also well, expensive ranging from the 2000s to even the 5000s for the Ambassadors Abroad.</p>
<p>What I want to know is whether or not those summer programs I'm thinking about going are actually useful in helping students get into college. Thanks!</p>
<p>If you're doing them just for college, don't bother, because sorry to burst your bubble but everyone can go and all you have to do is pay $$. so no it doesn't stand out</p>
<p>I'm not just doing them for college, I'm actually interested in some of them such as the Public Speaking one; I'm just wondering whether or not they help at all. Thanks!</p>
<p>Haha they show interest only if the applicant pool ofthe school you're applying to doesn't have many people who take initiative and go to academic camps. However, for the top schools, they don't make you stand out that much--although it's definitely better than sitting around and doing nothing over the summer! If you want to look good for college, however, something nice to do would be to get a job or to do some hardcore volunteering or research. If you want to do it because it's fun, by all means go ahead. I heard it's definitely fun and worthwhile.</p>
<p>If you have free programs like governors schools in your state, those tend to be more selective/prestigious, and they look nice if they relate to your future major or your interests. Plus they're amazingly fun (which is the important part).</p>